Thursday, August 30, 2012

A Sunday Surprise!

Note: This post was written by my husband and new author to my blog, The Scribe. (aka: Paul)  I'm excited to let him share his perspective, since he is at most of my shoots in the field.  He's also been writing for my Shots n' Thoughts blog.  CHECK IT OUT!
So, after church last Sunday, we needed to drive to the store in downtown Kuna to get a couple of things, and we spot this Swainson's hawk on top of a light pole by the intersection of Avalon and Swan Falls Road, right above a grassy field.  We pull a U-turn (something we often have to do when birding) and stop at the side of the road.
Shekinah Photography by Kathleen Bowman: Swainson's Hawks  Swainson's Hawk
Lo and behold, there are also two fledgling Swainson's on the ground, too.  One was obviously younger than the other.  They were making quite a ruckus and seemed to be finding something yummy to eat in the grass at the bottom of the light pole.  I really don't want to guess what it might have been, but I do know that they like insects and mice and the like.
Shekinah Photography by Kathleen Bowman: Swainson's Hawks  Swainson's Hawk
Meanwhile, we spot a dark morph Swainson's flying around overhead.  Now, keep in mind, this is all in downtown Kuna on a Sunday afternoon, cars whizzing by, sun blazing.  A bit of God's awesome creation showcased right before our eyes!
Shekinah Photography by Kathleen Bowman: Swainson's Hawks  Swainson's Hawk
I don't know exactly how long the fledglings stayed there in the grass, but the younger one didn't seem like he wanted to go anywhere.  The older one took off and flew toward a tree not too far from where we were parked.  His inexperience at tree landings resulted in him picking too thin of a branch and falling out of the tree.  He recovered from his fall and flew RIGHT over us!  I could have reached up and grabbed him! Kathleen ducked and didn't get a shot off.  I guess she was more concerned about the bird than getting a picture.
Shekinah Photography by Kathleen Bowman: Swainson's Hawks  Swainson's Hawk
After the near collision with our vehicle, he flew over and landed on the fence, right next to the road and about 10 yards from the younger fledgling.  It was all quite unexpected and quite a treat!  It just goes to show you that you never know when or where God will reveal His glory!
-  The Scribe







Friday, August 17, 2012

Rufous Hummingbird


The past few days we've been having a bit of an uproar in our backyard.  This adorable little female Rufous hummingbird is the  reason.  She was perched on my window feeder this morning and is still there now, several hours later.  I was able to get several good shots of her, including this one.  

Even when she was perfectly still, I could tell her heart was beating fiercely.  Hummingbirds are some of my favorite birds and one of God's magnificent creations.  So delicate and yet it can migrate to Mexico and back each year.  Amazing!

She's successfully chased off the larger Black-chinned hummingbirds, so I guess I need to move my other feeder out of sight of her favorite feeder.  

I haven't yet seen a male, but I'm hoping to because I have never seen one nor have I photographed one.  I would love to!

To see or purchase this image or more of my Bird images,
  Click Here.  For birds of prey, Click Here 
or, just browse through my birding galleries!

You can read more about the Rufous Hummingbird, HERE.

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